Indulge in the delightful symphony of flavors and textures presented by cornbread croutons. These golden-brown cubes, crafted from the quintessential Southern staple, cornbread, take on a new life as a versatile culinary companion. Their slightly sweet and savory disposition harmonizes effortlessly with a myriad of dishes, from hearty soups and salads to succulent grilled meats. With their crispy exterior yielding to a soft and fluffy interior, cornbread croutons add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor to every bite. This culinary guide presents a tantalizing trio of cornbread crouton recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic ingredient. Elevate your culinary repertoire and embark on a journey of taste exploration with these delectable cornbread croutons.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CREOLE CAESAR SALAD WITH CORN BREAD CROUTONS
My love for okra began as a child and continues to border on just this side of insanity. I love okra. As a young boy, I would smuggle a brown bag full of fried okra into the movies as my better-than-popcorn snack. On Sunday nights, I was famous for making fried okra and creamed corn sandwiches with fresh slices of tomato and loads of Duke's mayonnaise. Years later, while studying in Italy, I realized that Italians also took leftover vegetables and made sandwiches. All you need are cold vegetables, bread, and mayo. The Caesar salad treatment makes this lighter than a sandwich, although if you want to give it more heft, you can add shrimp, chicken, or duck.
Provided by Alexander Smalls
Categories Summer Salad Corn Okra Dinner
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- For the salad:
- Place half the fried okra in a large bowl and add the romaine, corn, corn bread, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Add the dressing and toss until well coated.
- Divide the salad among six serving plates and top evenly with the remaining okra. Serve immediately.
- For the Creole Caesar dressing:
- In a small saucepan, combine the oil, garlic, and onion. Cook over low heat until the garlic and onion are golden and tender, about 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the garlic and onion to a food processor; reserve the oil.
- Add the vinegar, bell pepper, celery, sugar, cayenne, mayonnaise, Parmesan, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper to the food processor. Pulse until smooth. With the machine running, add the oil in a thin stream and process until emulsified. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
OYSTER SPINACH BISQUE WITH CORN BREAD CROUTONS
Steps:
- Drain oysters in a fine sieve set over a glass measure, adding enough water to liquor to measure 1 cup, and reserve liquid. Rinse oysters under cold water and drain. Transfer oysters to a bowl and chill, covered.
- In a large saucepan melt butter over moderate heat until foam subsides and cook shallots, stirring, until softened. Add Sherry and cook until almost all liquid is evaporated. Stir in reserved oyster liquid and 1 1/2 cups milk and bring barely to a simmer (do not let boil). Stir in 12 oysters and poach until edges begin to curl, about 2 minutes. (Liquid may separate but will come together once blended.) In a blender purée mixture in batches until smooth and strain into a kettle, skimming froth. Stir in remaining 1 1/2 cups milk and cream and bring barely to a simmer (do not let boil). Stir in remaining 24 oysters, spinach, and salt and pepper to taste and poach oysters until edges begin to curl, about 2 minutes.
- Ladle bisque into 8 heated soup plates and garnish with spinach leaves and bell pepper. Serve bisque with croutons.
WHITE BEAN AND HAM HOCK SOUP WITH ARUGULA AND CORN BREAD CROUTONS
Steps:
- Make soup:
- Soak beans in cold water to cover overnight (8 hours). Drain and rinse well.
- Simmer ham hocks in 6 cups water in a 3-quart saucepan, partially covered, skimming foam as necessary, 1 hour. Reserve 4 cups cooking liquid and drain ham hocks.
- Heat bacon drippings in an 8-quart heavy pot over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then cook onion and garlic, stirring, until softened. Add tomatoes and thyme and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add soaked beans, broth, ham hocks, and reserved cooking liquid and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender, about 1 hour.
- Make croutons while soup simmers:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Melt butter with garlic and toss together with corn bread cubes in a shallow baking pan. Toast in middle of oven until lightly browned and crisp on the outside, about 15 minutes.
- Prepare soup for serving:
- Remove ham hocks and shred meat. Return meat to soup and stir in arugula. Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Tabasco.
- Serve soup topped with croutons.
CORN BREAD CROUTONS
Steps:
- In a skillet (preferably non-stick) heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and toast corn bread until golden brown and crisp. Season croutons with salt and pepper. Croutons may be made 1 day ahead and kept in a sealable plastic bag at room temperature.
Tips for Making Cornbread Croutons:
- Use fresh, high-quality cornbread for the best flavor.
- Cut the cornbread into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Season the cornbread cubes with your favorite herbs and spices before baking.
- Bake the cornbread croutons in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even browning.
- Store the cornbread croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
Cornbread croutons are a delicious and versatile addition to any salad, soup, or casserole. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you have some leftover cornbread, don't throw it away! Make a batch of cornbread croutons instead. You won't be disappointed!
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